(shorts, top, shoes, socks)

Jess and I had to pull out our speed shoes for our first run back on the roads in order to keep up with our friends who didn’t race. 8 miles @ 8:27 pace.

We planned our run around the Harry Potter house. A couple in our county, put together the most incredible Harry Potter themed front yard. It is so good, I think they could have filmed the movies here. (I thought I got a better picture of the whole thing, but alas, I did not).

This is inside of Hagrid’s Hut.

Every single detail.

And then I met up with my sister to work on our non-profit. THE BALL IS MOVING! We have an attorney!

The temps could not have been better last night for Brooke’s games.

Just one more game this season:(

Now for some Friday Favorites!

*30% off EVERYTHING at J. Crew for their friends and family! I am in love with their perfect cashmere crewneck.

*I think this might be the best audiobook that I have ever listened to. It is officially in my top #5 books of all time. If you haven’t read/listened yet, please start today. I wish I were just starting it.

*This Jacket!!! I want to wear it each and every day. It’s incredibly light and looks SLEEK. This is one of those workout pieces I’ll be using for decades. It packs up small into the front pocket, which means I will always travel with it. It is also breathable, and water-repellent without feeling bulky.

*Bringing in the big guns for perimenopause. I adore my NEEDED supplements, and I’ve added their Peri Multi to my everyday routine along with Creatine Powder in my smoothies. I’m learning my body needs a little more support than it used to, and I love knowing I’m getting 22 nutrients that support the things I’m really focusing on right now: energy, mood, sleep, brain health, and hormone balance.

*Nutrafol launched their , tbrand-new Strand Serum,,and I’m so happy about it after just using it a few times. It’s a leave-in treatment designed to strengthen hair, reduce breakage, and keep strands looking healthier, and you only need 2–3 drops, which sounds pretty perfect for my hair that spends half its life in a sweaty ponytail. I’m loving this stuff.

*Our family pictures aren’t back yet, but I want to show you me and Brooke’s dresses (from a picture Andrew took) because they are so cheap right now.

*You can use the code HELLO30 to get an additional $30 off of my sister’s favorite hair dryer/styler that is on sale!

*You can check out my previous Friday Favorites here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.*

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What are your weekend plans??

Anyone else read The Calamity Club? Thoughts?

WHO IS RACING CHICAGO? (or cheering, or knows someone running it)

Any supplements you are loving?

The post Friday Favorites! first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.

I was carless for a good chunk of the day, but my trusty scooter got me to my friend’s house to then carpool up to the mountains…

When some friends wanted to do the same trail I did the day before, I was ecstatic. That’s how good it is right now.

Added bonus: We got to see moose yesterday. A mama and two babies. Moose really used to freak me out, but now that I see them all of the time, I’m not afraid anymore. I’ll still be overly careful, but it’s nice to not start climbing a tree the second I see them.

6.5 miles with 1200 ft of climbing.

Pink Pasta for dinner with some grilled chicken and a side salad. This is my kid’s favorite pasta recipe in the world.

I have a few things to go over today…

*Brooke has been going back to her roots with a top knot. I am pretty sure she wore a top knot for 4 years in a row as a little girl.

*My friend sent me this podcast yesterday, and it was so so good and exactly what I needed.

*Never have I loved a free long-sleeve shirt from a race more than I love this one from St. George.

*This was my sister’s bench she used for her Firm Workout Videos back in the 90s… did anyone else do those videos? It’s now her workbench, and you know big things are happening in terms of design when it comes out.

*Max is getting more and more back to himself again. I really wonder how his brain has processed losing Beretta.

*Andrew votes this one ot be the best Bloom ever.

*He is so into biking right now, and Andrew is trying so hard to contain his excitement.

*With his running form, speed, and love for biking, maybe he will be a triathlete?!

*We both said we will never do this course again because of how bad everything hurt in the end, but that has already worn off for me, and I want to do it again next year…

*I have a feeling Skye will definitely want to run this course someday.

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Best race sweatshirt/shirt/jacket you’ve ever gotten?

Question from Skye–> If you could go any place in the world, where would you choose?

If you are going to scroll, what is your app of choice?

-IG for me and Facebook Marketplace for Andrew.

Last podcast you listened to?

The post Back to her roots + some Thursday Things! first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.

Let’s talk about shoes… Also, any guesses of what I’m looking at in the above picture? Your guess is as good as mine.

I am a super shoe fan. Forever and ever. I love them. And if they can help me run .007 seconds faster per mile, you betcha, I’ll spend $300 on them;). I feel like I recover much faster from workouts and races with some carbon in my soles. Who knows, maybe even a lot of my love for them is wrapped up in the placebo effect. I think they will make me fast, and so they do. Plus, they are usually so pretty, and that helps my overall experience. I thought I would rank my current rotation.

I haven’t tried any Nikes out in years because I swear I kept having hamstring problems with them, so those aren’t in my current mix, but I love the ones I’m listing below!

In my opinion, these are the best speed shoes I have EVER used.

#1 The Saucony Elite 3s. If you have ever wanted to feel like you are on a course that is pure trampoline for miles, these are the shoes for you. I believe they help me run my fastest compared to every other shoe I’ve ever tried. The launch these shoes give you might shock you when you first try them. They are comfortable, and I don’t get any weird rubbing/hot spots/anything in them. These shoes are so special to me; I won’t do workouts in them (except for the first time I wore them to test them out before race day). I don’t want to waste a single step in them, and I also want my body to be shocked (in a positive way) come race day when I put them on. I am fully planning on wearing these at Boston 2027. The foam is too good. ****Size up .5 with these.

#2 The adidas Adios Pro (on sale, and I’m dying to try the 5s because I’ve loved every version they have put out)! I fell in love with these when they first gave Boston Marathon runners a pair in 2023! I love these for both races and workouts. I’ve done everything from the 5k to the marathon in them. They are phenomenal. They are extremely light and give me the bounce I crave when I want to run fast. They absorb a lot of the impact, which leaves my legs feeling fresher for longer. ***I go down .5 shoes with these.

#3 New Balance Supercomp Elite v6. These shoes feel FAST. At just 5.5 oz, they are incredibly light and have this glove-like feel that hugs my foot perfectly. They have that snappy, springy feeling that makes you want to pick up the pace, and the foam feels a bit firmer and stiffer than some of the other super shoes I’ve tried, which I think is a huge plus if you prefer a more responsive, less squishy feel. ***True to size

#4 The Endorphin Pro 5. I would rank these as the perfect workout shoe but I probably won’t race in them. They don’t give me the same bounce as some of my other super shoes, but they are still MUCH faster than normal trainers. These would be the perfect shoes to train in and then surprise your body with the Saucony Elite 3s or adidas Adios Pros on race day… You would FLY. They offer a roll with each foot landing that helps you transition so smoothly into your next stride, which I really love for workouts. They feel fast and responsive without giving you quite as much assistance as some of the bouncier super shoes, and I kind of love that for training. ***True to size

Long story short, I love to try to run my fastest. I love to get out of my comfort zone. I love gear that helps me to do these things. You can’t buy a bottle of the feeling I felt in this picture below, but you can buy shoes to help you get to that feeling.

Now for a very fun part of our day yesterday:

Andrew and I did the Ridge Trail. This trail gives you the most stunning views of Mt. Timpanogos. The views are so good they trick you into thinking you are looking at a painting.

Training for an October road race is fun and all until you get FOMO every time you look at the mountains and worry you are missing out on prime time. Thankfully, my race was done before peak leaves.

I wish I could have recorded the sounds of the wind against these aspen leaves and placed it here for you to listen to as you look at these pictures.

Too good to be true.

6.5 miles, but Andrew did a lot of waiting… I ran the downs and flats but hiked every up because I’m recovering (and had no desire to have a high heart rate yesterday).

Zen.

I feel a little guilty because by the end I was already thinking about which trail I need to check off next. My trail greed is in full force.

We then went straight to the Harmon’s salad bar. We used to go here all of the time when we were dating… multiple times a week. We must have had much more money because these are PRICEY.

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A few sales to mention:

*My favorite sweater/skirt set is part of Prime Day and such a great price. Also, one of my favorite perfumes. And one of my favorite vests to run in!

*It’s the J. Crew Friends and Family sale–> 30% off everything! My favorite jeans (wearing them as I type this), this Rugby, this sweater, this cashmere v-neck, and this striped button-up.

*Swiftly tank in so many cute colors!

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Tell me something you love to splurge on and something you love to save on (and find strange that others may splurge on them)?

Favorite ever racing shoe? Workout shoe?

Are you a salad bar fan?

Tell me your run or workout for today?!

The post My Ranking of the best speed shoes + I am greedy. first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.

(jacket, shorts, long-sleeve, shoes)

How I waited 40 years to explore Guardsman Pass in Park City is a mystery. I pledge to never miss this area each fall for the rest of my life.

THE YELLOWS WERE OUTRAGEOUS.

It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

We didn’t run; we hiked (and I took a few running videos because a running influencer is always on the clock… I kid, I kid), my legs needed another day to liven up again.

It’s 3 miles round-trip to the lake, and I am bringing my kids here asap. It was stunning.

Name a better color combo than evergreen pines + October aspen leaves.

Ballerina Farm just happened to be on the way home. It was a sign to stop for their protein ice-cream.

Now for some good ol’ tangents.

*For the past few years, I kept searching for my old marathon-training self and couldn’t find her. I tried to be patient with myself and not force a marathon just because that’s what I’ve always done. Instead, I waited until I WANTED IT again.

And now I want it. Badly.

The funny part is that now I have to practice a completely different kind of patience. I have to let myself recover from my half, resist the urge to jump straight into marathon training, and give myself enough time so I don’t burn out before Boston even gets here.

I’m learning that wanting something badly doesn’t mean I have to start chasing it at full speed today. Which is a difficult lesson for someone who has absolutely no idea how to be anything other than all or nothing.

*We love St. George. I went down this slide so many times in a row with Beck that I started feeling motion sick. He could have done it all day.

*Was I doing a leap to impress my kids, or was my stride length 7ft at this point in the race?

*How how how how how how how?

*Beck slept with his sign the night before his race so he wouldn’t forget it. MY HEART.

*There is no better feeling than being reunited with your favorite lip gloss post-race.

*Race bag swag sorting for adults is equivalent to kids sorting their candy from trick-or-treating.

*They passed this out post-race, and I loved it.

*When your bag breaks and you attempt to use KT tape to wrap it up before throwing it in the bus that takes them to the finish line.

*I didn’t see Skye much over the weekend;). We stayed with Jess and her family in St. George, and every moment we were there, Skye and Jess’ second-oldest were adventuring, climbing trees, and being crazy together. She found her match…

*30-40% off all American Eagle and Aerie fall favorites!

*I swear Prime Day is happening monthly now, but as a blogger, it is my duty to post my FAVORITE Amazon things on sale that I couldn’t live without: DripDrop, these running shorts, Core Power, this tinted face sunscreen, my favorite pajamas ever–> top and bottoms. I also love these pajamas, Dutch oven, our ice machine, Ninja Slushie, my alarm clock, CRZ tanks, CRZ sweats, my TENS Machine, my electric toothbrush, best leggings on Amazon, favorite Amazon tank, favorite short-sleeve shirt, long-sleeve shirt, and oversized sweatshirt, fake wedding ring, daily curling iron, best self-tanner, my Redken shampoo., Vitamox, only hair bands, my shapewear, this half zip, these plastic containers, most flattering one-piece, packing cubes, oil sprayer, wide-legged pants, foaming wall cleaner, the best lip oil, my trail running/hiking vest, the only teeth whitening strips that I use, Shark hair styler (my sister’s favorite), current favorite hair brush!

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Are you good at moderation or are you an all-or-nothing person, too?

Have any tangents for today?

Any Prime Deals you are grabbing today?

Marathon runners: What’s your ideal number of weeks to train for a marathon?

The post Tangents and help me be patient. first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.

(shorts, shoes, bra, socks)

Sometimes the hardest part of racing is choking down food when your body still needs 4 more hours of sleep. The alarm went off at 4:15 am and it was straight to the shower for me, and then an uncrustable.

Andrew drove Jess, Adam, and me to the buses (Adam was doing the full and crushed it). Jess and I waited for about 15 minutes in line for the buses, and then we were on our way. I ate part of a bagel on the bus and played it risky with my open cup of pre-workout on a bumpy bus… I only spilled about 5% of my caffeine on myself.

We got to the starting line around 5:45, which gave us plenty of time to get ready.

Actually, we decided that the wait before the race starts is the worst part of the entire day… those nerves. I just want to get RUNNING.

We did a half-mile warm-up with 2 strides and lined up with everyone. They have a drone show for about ten minutes, and it is stunning in the dark sky. It’s one of my favorite parts of the St. George Marathon.

Jess joined me with the magic shoes, and she agreed they were the best speed shoes she has ever tried. She didn’t think about her feet once during the race.

We were talking to some friends at the starting line when the gun went off. There wasn’t a countdown that we knew of, so it kind of shook us at the beginning. For the first .25 miles, you are also on a dirt road, and then you get onto the asphalt, so it took a minute to get the hang of what was happening.

Once the sun started coming up, I was tempted to take my phone out of my bra to take pictures. But I didn’t, and thankfully Andrew got some gorgeous ones.

Do you see why I love this race?

Zoom in to the kids:

Andrew got six kids around the course without a flaw. He needs to teach a masterclass on this talent of his.

Seeing them gave us the biggest pep in our step.

Also, I adore racing with a close friend. You’ve seen each other in your darkest moments and know exactly what helps the other person get through them, and the hundreds of hours you’ve spent training together create this energy on race day that pulls you along the whole way.

Fun fact: In the last year, I’ve been with Jess for her 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon PRs. She is on fire. There is something just as rewarding about watching someone you love accomplish their goals as there is about accomplishing your own.

The last time I was on this course, it was for the marathon, and I dropped out at mile 18 in 2024. I was kind of nervous that spot would be bad luck for me again, but surprise… it wasn’t!

I was feeling my absolute best until mile 11 hit, and I was reminded what the pain cave felt like. This is a downhill course (with more ups each year than I remember from the previous years… tectonic plates are shifting to create bigger uphills, I am positive), and when mile 11 hit, my legs felt like complete cement.

My thoughts were very positive the first 11 miles, but then the negative ones were flowing in very quickly. I kept telling myself, I don’t have control of that first thought coming in, but I do have control of where I took the thoughts from there. I could spin them to something that would help me move forward, rather than deflate myself.

That final 600 meters to the finish line felt like an eternity, but we got there.

WE DID IT. Our #1 goal was to be under 1:20, and we did it (Jess took 5th overall at 1:19:05)!

Walking through this post-race felt so right.

WE DID IT. Jess got a 3-minute PR, I got a course PR, and we got the exact time that we were shooting for while having fun along the way. I couldn’t be happier.

I feel extremely grateful for the way they cheer their guts out for me.

And then we got to watch Adam finish! He cruised on in. I can’t tell you how many times I told myself in the pain cave of miles 11-13 to be grateful I wasn’t running the marathon that day haha.

Fun story: Remember when I moved to California without a place to stay? This man and his wife offered to take us in and helped me while I was in labor with Brookie. I’ve told Brooke all about this story many times, and I loved introducing her to him. They took such amazing care of us.

And his daughter, my friend Paige, WON the 1/2 marathon with a 1:11! Phenomenal!

My kids were thrilled that I said yes afterward to buying them their favorite, Zeppes, after the race. I usually make them share, but I was in a real good mood post-race and got them each their own;)

Now for all of my other thoughts that I didn’t include in the recap.

*While we were waiting after the race, Andrew took Beck to the bathroom, and an older man near me was suddenly in a bad, bad place. I called 911, and it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever seen… he was a spectator there. They took him in the ambulance, and if anyone knows how he is doing, could you please let me know?

*St. George offers so many aid stations along the way. At one of the aid stations, a volunteer was fully dancing to the music coming from the speakers, and it made me so happy. Thank you to her. There was also a man along the way playing the bagpipes. Another big thank you for the pep it gave me, and the family that gave me high fives along the way… CONNECTION gives me quite the boost.

*The half was so fun because we got to be part of the weekend fun but also still watch the marathoners finish… it was so inspiring.

*I took a gel at mile 4 and mile 8. I took them slowly because they are so hard to get down when I am running at full capacity.

*I brought sunglasses with me, but they were driving me crazy. I gave them to a friend of mine spectating at mile 8, and that was sure nice of her to take them for me.

*My entire upper body was sore from this race, too. I get the lower body, but upper??

*People had ‘You aren’t even close’ signs, and I DID NOT LIKE THOSE.

*There was a 91-year-old woman that did the 1/2 marathon. Incredible.

*One of the things I really love about a 1/2 marathon is that we get to get back to running again so much faster than after a marathon;)

*There was a massive skeleton dressed up like a runner about a mile away from the finish line, and I needed to see that.

*I really miss strength training during the taper. I can’t believe I typed that. I am excited to get back to it next week.

*I put music in at mile 5ish, for the biggest uphill of the race that intimidates me. I listened with one earbud and LOVED having music. It felt like a party. I never know my mood towards music until I am in the moment during a race. Sometimes it makes me want to throw my headphone into a ditch because it drives me crazy, and sometimes it makes me run faster.

*She found my name!

*I felt the speed really click in this race, but the endurance was lacking. I’m excited to build upon that for Boston training.

*For the first time in the history of my racing, I forgot to stop my watch at the finish line. The fact that I don’t have accurate data for my final .1 is killing me;)

*It wasn’t hot, but I still poured water on my head at every aid station because that is what my body naturally does when I’m on this course.

*My friend Jayden ran Berlin in 2:26, and then the St. George Marathon 6 days later in 2:21. I cannot get over this information.

*Pack flip-flops in your race bag for post-race. It’s one of my biggest race tips. Save your speed shoes (each step costs at least a dollar;) and give your feet some air.

*Andrew and Brooke told me that they can tell it is me from very far away based solely on how my ponytail swings.

*Viva Chicken post-race is an excellent choice.

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Tell me about your weekend!

Who else raced?

Which race left you more sore than any others?

The post St. George Half-Marathon Recap! first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.

3 miles with Andrew (28 for him), and 4 x 20-second strides. I’ll take today off, and then the goal is under a 6:06 pace on Saturday… I wish they let him pace us for the race.

They are ready to get down to St. George!

Going to Target alone still feels very foreign.

My mom took Skye and a date yesterday, and they had the best time together.

I haven’t worn these shoes since my last race at the beginning of June… I cannot wait for their trampoline effect tomorrow.

Now for a few favorites today:

*The coziest cozy fall sweater is 30% off right now!!

*I’m not going to lie, I had very low expectations about these drinks (I take my drinks very seriously and they better be the most refreshing thing ever), but I fell in love with my first sip.

Each flavor is heavenly, and I can’t speak for my future self, but as of now, I am reaching for these over a DDP! That is how good they are…

*Another Costco must. You must toast it and add a good helping of butter; it’s perfect.

*If you LOVE a 6-inch short, these are the ones for you. The compression/sculpting on these is perfect, and they stay perfectly in place the whole way. The pockets hold your phone and keys, with zero bouncing. The fabric is the perfect thickness for fall/winter/spring running. I’m in love.

*Two necklaces I’m sporting lately–> this choker, and this two-metal chain. (They offer a waterproof/tarnishproof lifetime guarantee, which is what I need so I can shower and run with my jewelry on:)

*THIS is the best make-up setting spray I have ever used, and I adore the glow it gives at the end.

*One more reminder–> 30% off at Athleta! These long-sleeves are my absolute favorite, these leggings carry your phone perfectly and stay right in place the entire run, and I’ve loved these bras forever. These 5″ shorts are perfect with their pockets. This sweatshirt is a favorite staple for me. I’m going to grab this mockneck! These pants (below) are the most comfortable things to wear to work or any time you need to dress your outfit up. And this jacket is great for running.

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What are your weekend plans?

Sparkling water your thing or no?

Anyone else racing this weekend?

The post Friday Favorites! first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.

(tank, shoes)

5 miles @ 8:28 pace. I LOVE a tree-lined street.

Andrew makes us the best egg scrambles. I could eat this every day of my life.

My legs need some massive recovery before Saturday, so it was this and my laptop.

Then my laptop while watching my sister put together Beck’s new room. He is going to faint when he sees what she has done for him in here.

The star of the show for dinner: Soyaki on top of our salmon and rice bowls.

Tis’ the season for apple crisp and this recipe is a winner even though I refused to turn on the lights for pictures because I hate turning on lights.

The last time I ran Boston was in 2023, and I’m absolutely GIDDY to get back.

I haven’t felt this excited to start marathon training in years, and so I am taking full advantage of it. And I have a big goal. I want to run a sub-3 there. I’m going to do it. I’ve run a 3:12, 3:28, 2:54, and 3:02 there… I want another time there with a 2:XX

And the best part, we are taking the family! I love a finish line with them there, and they can’t wait to visit Boston for the first time!

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Now that September is over, it’s time to share the top 10 best-sellers this month:

10. The bandit bra (I’m wearing it for my race)!

9. My new lululemon vest.

8. This Athleta bra (40% off)

7. The adorable dress that Brooke wore for pictures.

6. J Crew jeans I’m living in.

5. This Z-Supply button-up! It’s perfect for fall.

4. The posture-correcting bra! This is a win-win for function and how flattering it looks.

3. Nutrafol. I don’t go a day without it; it has made a big difference for me. I have stopped losing hair!

2. My favorite skincare product ever. It’s replaced micro-needling for me.

1. Brooke’s lululemon top that I’ve been stealing for running.

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Who has an October birthday, anniversary, or race?

Anyone else avoid turning on lights?

-Natural light is my #1, and when that is gone, I prefer complete darkness other than candles;)

Have a running goal you’re working toward?

The post I haven’t even finished the race this weekend but already have BIG goals for my next… first appeared on The Hungry Runner Girl.